Why these unloved cars represent smart picks
These machines might not be everyone’s first choice, but their forgotten status means that they offer tempting value for money.
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Deals and discounts are back in play in the new-car market, but the size of the savings often depends on the popularity of the make and model.
If buyers are rushing to sign on the dotted line then there’s little incentive for dealers to do a deal. Ask anyone who’s tried to negotiate on a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in recent years.
Look at some of the less popular models, though, and dealers can be more willing to crunch a deal. And in many instances you can also get a car that stands out from the masses or delivers more bang for your buck.
Here are some hidden gems in the new-car market.
1. Skoda Kamiq Runout
from $32,990 drive-away
It’s a small SUV but the Skoda Kamiq is bigger than most direct rivals, making it a practical machine for everyone from singles to small families.
The torquey three-cylinder turbocharged engine also pulls strongly and teams with sure-footed road holding to make for a refreshingly engaging machine.
Less endearing is the grey cabin that’s more about functionality than pizzazz. Still, at $32,990 drive-away for the Runout model (there’s an update coming in a few months) it’s ample SUV for the money.
2. MG4 Excite 51
from $39,990 drive-away
There’s a price war going on at the entry level of the EV market and buyers are the winners.
While GWM currently owns the “cheapest EV” tag, the MG4 fights back with $39,990 pricing that is thousands cheaper than when it first hit the market in 2023.
Sure, the entry-level Excite 51’s 350km of range is nothing spectacular and it’s light-on for equipment, but the practical cabin and playful rear-wheel drive dynamics score back points.
For those not looking to venture far from the city limits it’s a tempting entree to electric motoring, with a seven-year warranty as back-up.
If you can take advantage of the government’s generous fringe benefits tax incentives, it’s an even sharper deal.
3. Ford Puma ST-Line
from $35,250 drive-away
The loveable Ford Puma is on its last legs and has failed to attract the throngs turning to small SUVs over hatchbacks. Ford has responded by sharpening its pencil to keep sales bubbling along.
At $35,250 the ST-Line packs plenty in. It has wireless phone charging, a digital driver display and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s some personality to its driving manners, too, as the enthusiastic 1.0-litre three-cylinder pulls strongly through the middle of the rev range.
4. Kia Cerato S auto
from $28,790 drive-away
Many small cars push past $30,000 but some of the big players occasionally sneak slightly lower.
The Kia Cerato currently has decent deals running for the entry-level S in either hatch or sedan guise.
There are no alloy wheels and only basic interior finishes. The 2.0-litre engine is honest if uninspiring, but the fundamentals are solid, including a spacious cabin and well sorted dynamics. The 8-inch touchscreen is compatible with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay and the seven-year warranty gives peace of mind.
5. Mazda BT-50 GT 4x4 pick-up
from $60,794 drive-away
Mazda’s BT-50 ute is overshadowed by its “twin-under-the-skin”, the popular Isuzu D-Max.
It shares the D-Max’s solid mechanicals and there are decent deals to be had, especially on the better equipped, more family-focused models.
The BT-50 GT has leather, heated front seats and a powered driver’s seat as well as a hearty 3.0-litre turbo diesel.
6. Peugeot 3008 Allure
from $48,990 drive-away
Those chasing some European flair and up-market finishes could do a lot worse than the Peugeot 3008.
The in-cabin attention to detail and quality materials are a step up from mainstream rivals and the compact SUV’s frisky 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo suits its fun driving character.
There are Peugeot quirks, including the low-set small diameter steering wheel that you peer over to see the instruments.
But it somehow works for a car that does things refreshingly differently.
7. Suzuki Vitara auto
from $31,990
The Suzuki Vitara has never really troubled the top sellers in the booming SUV category but it is well worthy of consideration.
It is one of the few SUVs that has resisted the temptation to grow with the human population. While that may not suit larger families who like to sprawl out, it’s ideal for singles and couples looking for a practical and sensibly priced five-seat SUV.
Priced from $30,990 as a manual (or $1000 more for the auto) it’s a little underpowered but a competent drive. Throw in Suzuki’s reputation for longevity and there’s lots to like.
Originally published as Why these unloved cars represent smart picks
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